Entre Deux

Maastricht,The Netherlands

Tourist attractions in Maastricht

Sight-seeing in Maastricht: what is there to see and do in Maastricht besides shopping? Here is a selection of the most interesting sights in the city centre.

Vrijthof square: the heart of Maastricht

This square, with its convivial outdoor cafés, stunning view of the great Basilica of St Servatius and direct proximity to the Theater aan het Vrijthof presents a classic picture of Maastricht’s city centre. It is a genuine tourist magnet and at the same time the pride of local residents. This is the best place to hang out if there are no events taking place. A visit to the recently renovated and accessible Museum aan het Vrijthof – also known as the Spanish Government Building – is certainly worthwhile. After that, you’ll still have time to take a look inside the Basilica of St Servatius. And if you’re worn out from your shopping spree, just sitting on a bench and watching the passers-by is entertainment enough.

Dominican church with a new lease on life

You can’t help but be astounded as soon as you set foot in this church annex bookshop and espresso bar. This Dominican church (called the Dominicanenkerk, and sometimes Dominicanerkerk, in Dutch) is a Gothic church located inside the Entre Deux shopping centre! Built in the thirteenth century as a monastery church, the building was assigned various functions after the monastery was closed near the end of the eighteenth century. At present, the Dominicanen bookshop is established here, as well as the Coffeelovers espresso bar, where you can treat yourself to a delicious café latte. Even if you don’t need a book or don’t feel like coffee, a peek inside the world’s most beautiful bookshop is a must for all visitors to Maastricht!

The Bisschopsmolen

The Bisschopsmolen (the Bishop’s Mill) is one of the oldest watermills in the Netherlands. Located in the city centre and still operating today, the mill offers a number of interesting tours. Baker Frank van Eerd is passionate about his work and will be happy to explain the difference between whole wheat and white flour and how his traditional spelt bread is made. And if all these impressions leave you hungry, there’s no better place for a cup of coffee and a slice of vlaai, the delicious regional pastry that is traditional to Limburg.

Going for modern: Centre Céramique

Are you a lover of modern architecture? If so, hurry up and cross the new pedestrian bridge (Hoeg Brögk) to Plein 1992. You’ll find some unique works of modern architecture here, including multifunctional Centre Céramique. This centre houses the municipal library and the European Journalism Centre and is also the venue of the annual World Press Photo Exhibition. There’s plenty to discover here in the fields of art and archaeology, too. Are you craving even more art and design? Stroll along the Meuse a little further and visit the Bonnefanten Museum.

Picturesque Yacht Harbour ‘t Bassin

Quietly hidden away some 500 meters from the market square, you will find this old port. Renowned for its cosy cafés, the harbour offers mooring facilities to around seventy boats every day and also features exhibition space. You will also find the studio of the famous artist and documentary producer Robert-Jan van Melle here. If you would like to spend a few hours out on the water you can rent a boat through maastrichtsloep.nl or get tickets for a boat tour at Rederij Stiphout, located within walking distance at Maaspromenade 58 in the centre of Maastricht. www.tbassin.nl